USA Hawks Dominate South Africa Rhinos in Historic Test Match Victory

USA Hawks Dominate South Africa Rhinos in Historic Test Match Victory

The USA Hawks flew high in Pretoria, securing a dominant 38-18 victory over the South African Rhinos in the first test match of the series. With an impressive mix of experience and fresh talent, the Hawks showcased their depth and skill across the park, delivering a strong statement as they gear up for future international challenges.

The match began with fireworks as Daniel Vidot, playing at center, announced his USA debut in style. Known for his strength and agility from his NRL days, Vidot powered through two defenders in the right corner to score the opening try just six minutes in, setting the tone for the Hawks.

The Hawks' right-edge attack was relentless, with Andre Williams, the debutant, crossing for the second try at 16’. Williams capitalized on precise ball movement across the pitch from the Hawks' spine, led by Mason McCrory, the hooker who also added the conversion. McCrory, a crucial link in the Hawks' attack and defense, controlled the pace of the game beautifully from the ruck.

Moments later, the Hawks’ forward pack took charge. Wes Piggins, playing in the second row, took a no-look offload from veteran Peter Lupton to slice through South Africa’s defensive line for the Hawks' third try at 21’. McCrory’s boot made it 16-0. The forwards, led by Piggins, consistently won the battle in the middle, giving the backs room to shine.

The Rhinos struck back at 29’ with a converted try, bringing the score to 16-6, but the Hawks responded with yet another attack down the right. Williams, playing with strength and speed, he grabbed his second try at 35’ fighting off two Rhinos and diving over the line, extending the lead to 20-6.

South Africa showed resilience with a late first-half try at 39’, closing the gap to 20-12 at halftime, but the Hawks’ defense, led by debutant Anson Jiang and veteran Joe Eichner, ensured the Rhinos never fully regained momentum.

The second half began with McCrory stepping up yet again. At 46’, he darted over from from a dummy off the back of the play the ball to score a try, adding his third successful conversion to make it 26-12. McCrory’s control from dummy half, combined with his sharp decision-making, was pivotal throughout the game.

The Rhinos fought back to get deep into Hawks territory in the 57’, as they took the ball from ruck to fight through the Hawks defense to score a try. The successful conversion brought the score to 26-18 to the Hawks.  

The highlight of the match came in the 63’minute when veteran Ryan Burroughs made a blistering break from deep in his own half bouncing off one defender and slicing through the South Africa defense. After breaking away twenty meters, his offload found Williams, who sprinted away untouched for sixty meters to complete his hat trick.

Late in the game, the Hawks’ substitutes added impact. Derek Lipscomb, a back-rower known for his high work rate, crashed over at 71’ for his first international try, and Ryan Bannerot, a dynamic half, sealed the 38-18 victory with a darting effort off the left edge in the final minute of play.

This emphatic victory underscored the Hawks’ ability to excel across positions. The centers and wingers exploited their speed and strength, while the halves and forwards provided structure and go-forward momentum. With three debutants—Vidot, Williams, and Lipscomb—scoring tries, the Hawks demonstrated a growing domestic talent pool.

The team now turns its focus to the second test match on Saturday, December 7th, at Grizzlies Rugby Club in Pretoria, where they aim to continue their winning ways. Get the full match highlights on our Facebook and Instagram and the full match replay here: https://www.youtube.com/live/kc8SDLZi1fc?si=iA_5Vqye01IXIYnx

Full-Time Score: USA Hawks 38 – South Africa Rhinos 18

Try Scorers:

• Daniel Vidot (7’), Andre Williams (16’, 35’, 64’), Wes Piggins (21’), Mason McCrory (47’), Derek Lipscomb (71’), Ryan Bannerot (79’)

Conversions:

• McCrory – 3/5, Granby – 0/3

Lineup:

#1 David Washington

#2 Ethan Ferrick

#3 Ryan Burroughs

#4 Daniel Vidot*

#5 Andre Williams

#6 Ryan Bannerot

#7 Peter Lupton

#8 Tevita Bryce

#9 Mason McRory

#10 Anthony Russo

#11 Wes Piggins

#12 Joe Eichner

#13 Anson Jiang*

#14 Dom Sofe*

#15 Derek Lipscomb*

#16 Kyle Granby

#17 Max Dacey*

*Denotes 1st Time Selection